K9 X-Dog Scout

LawDogsUSA staff found this little black American pit bull in the Seattle Animal Shelter. She was about to be euthanized – even though she was very friendly – because her tough dog looks and intense gaze frightened off adopters. Shelter staff loved her, and knew this little 40 pound dynamo was special. So she left with many well wishes.

Her worth as a detection dog was readily and immediately apparent. She was immediately accepted by the Washington State Patrol for an explosives dog candidate. She stayed with LawDogsUSA for several months until her class started. She was a favorite with staff; all dogs are compared to the standard she set.

X-Dog entered into a class with several dogs vying for the three open positions. One animal was a German shepherd/Belgian malinois mixbreed purchased at quite a high price from a dog vendor. The University of Washington contacted LawDogsUSA, but administrators were prejudiced against the use of a bulldog, so they paid a couple thousand for a labrador mixbreed from a shelter, sold to them by a vendor. The rest of the dogs were labrador types.

Well, when the dust settled, and the certification was done and scores tabulated, the three dogs which certified were the malinois/shepherd mix, the UW’s Labrador and – the dog which was rated the #1 dog in the class? Yup, K9 X-Dog, the FREE American pit bull from LawDogsUSA! In fact, X-Dog is rated as one of the top bomb dogs in the country by a trainer who has seen her work.

K9 X-Dog (now named Scout by her handler’s two children, age 6 and 9) has continued her winning ways. She out-performed other bomb dogs in recent Federal training. She is a favorite with passengers at the busy Bremerton ferry dock, where she patrols parked cars for explosives. The Washington State ferry system is considered America’s #1 “at risk” marine system. Ferry riders should breath easier knowing such a talented dog is keeping them safe. Her handler is proud to explain that “Yes, she is an American pit bull.”

X-Dog/Scout lives at home with her handler and his wife and kids. She lives peacefully with their labrador pet dog. She is a much loved family member and working partner. What a waste, indeed, had X-Dog ended up in a shelter that kills all dogs of her breed – simply due to prejudice, fear and ignorance!